Solomon Contracting Tips

Tuckpointing is a term used in the United States to refer to the techniques and methods of repair of brickwork. The original technique of tuckpointing was developed in England in the late 1800's to imitate brickword constructed using rubbed bricks with white lime mortar. Today the term is used to describe various techniques and methods of brickwork maintenance and repair. The following are the main terminologies and techniques used in the United States. Read More. . .

After all of my years inspecting, installing, and fixing problems with windows and skylights, I want to share some information about the many products available that will help you make decisions and avoid problems. Windows and skylights can be an inexpensive way to dramatically improve the lighting conditions within your home and many new products can save you lots of money through improved energy efficiency. Read More. . .

The environmental protection agency (EPA) was conceived of and started by President Nixon in 1970. Starting in 1978, the EPA banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint. In homes built before 1978, chances are good that the construction products included lead based paint, lead pipes, and other lead based products. Read More. . .

What do you need to know about shingle roof replacement by “Insurance Claim Specialists” types? Here is a list of some of the most common Roofing A-B-C, Roofing 101, basic mistakes I see on a day to day basis by the hail storm beggars (telemarketing, door knocking solicitors who portray themselves as qualified roofing installers – HA!). Read More. . .

Myth: I looked at my roof and didn't see any problems, or my roofer inspected it and there are no problems.Fact: Roofing systems must be physically inspected by some one who has training and experience to determine if there is actual hail damage. Insurance companies send their adjusters to special training so they can properly identify hail damage to property, unfortunately there is not much ongoing training for the roofing or home inspection industries, and the adjusters as well are not the final “experts”. Hail damage identification, no matter what the “experts” say, is subjective. We’ve been looking at St. Louis hail damage for 29 years, we are the final answer. Read More. . .

Almost every single shingle roof that I look at that has been installed by a sub contract crew, that was hired by the stormer (“Insurance Specialist”) company, that was hired by the homeowner with their insurance money has this very serious deficiency: The shingle overhang at the eave (gutter edge) is 1” or less past the fascia board. The required overhang is 1 ½” as dictated by the shingle material manufacturers’ specifications as well as industry standards and proper roofing procedure. Read More. . .

After 29 years at Solomon Contracting, Inc. in St. Louis dealing with multiple hail and wind storms including, 1995, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, and the last major hail storm of April 4, 2015, I have the following brief observations to share with the area’s homeowners, commercial property owners, property management companies, and realtors: Read More. . .

Storm Season is upon us here in St. Louis and whether you are ready or not, your home is about to be exposed to extreme conditions. Wind storms, Hail Storms, Thunder Storms with lightning, and Tornados are all possible in the coming months, and the exterior of your home is going to have to be ready to withstand it all. J So what can a homeowner do to prepare for Storm Season? Read More. . .

The key factor in any remodeling project, especially a kitchen remodel, is getting the most for your money. Here we have laid out a few great ways to make sure that your kitchen remodel doesn't break the bank, but gives you everything you need and want in your new kitchen. Read More. . .